As part of Europe's Community Customs Code, new security procedures known as the Import Control System (ICS) went into effect on January 1, 2011. ICS is the electronic security declaration management system for importing goods into the European Union (EU) customs territory.

Electronic Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) are mandatory for all shipments originating outside of the EU or passing through the 27 EU member states, Norway, or Switzerland. This regulation applies to all modes of transportation (air, road, sea, and rail).

ICS helps customs authorities perform a risk analysis of shipments at the first point of entry into the EU by using electronic data submitted prior to the physical arrival of the shipment. If customs authorities identify a risk, the shipment will not be loaded at the departure port or it will be subject to inspection at the arrival port or the first entry point to the EU, Norway, or Switzerland.

UPS is currently complying with these requirements, and we are working closely with carriers to ensure a timely filing of the ENS. UPS will continue to monitor these and other regulations closely and will inform our clients as there are changes to the import process and resulting fees and potential penalties.